Tories to pick new leader in September

Newfoundland and Labrador's Progressive Conservatives will pick their new leader, and the province's next premier, at a convention in September.

The party announced Friday it's delaying its convention by two months, and is reoganizing a leadership vote for the Delta Hotel in downtown St. John's.

Delegates will vote by secret ballot on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The convention had originally been scheduled for July, but was cancelled when Frank Colemanthe lone candidate in the racebowed out on Monday.

Nominations for the leadership officially open this Monday, and will close on July 7.

So far, only former health minister John Ottenheimer has declared a candidacy for the leadership. Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Kent has said he is leaning toward a run for the leadership, but is focused for now on the pending birth of his third child.

Delegates will be selected during July and August.